Lakeport >> Summer solstice day — the first day of summer — has come and gone, but a familiar aspect of the season did not appear. The Lake County Home Wine and Beer Maker’s Festival, which has played a major role in solstice celebrations ever since its inception more than a dozen years ago, will be a week late in arriving. Due to a scheduling conflict the Winefest, as it’s called, will take place this Saturday at Lakeport’s Library Park between 1 and 5 p.m.
The discrepancy caused some confusion among people who’d set their calendars to the June 21 date. Ed Bublitz, co-president of the Lake County Symphony Association, which sponsors the event as its major fundraiser, said he’s fielded a number of calls from both participants and attendees checking on the correct date.
“Even the banner hanging across Main Street in Lakeport added to the confusion. Apparently the ‘7’ on the sign looked like a ‘1’ to a lot of folks,” Bublitz said.
Amateurs wanting to enter their wines, beers and ales for public tastings and/or professional judging can contact him at (707) 277-8172 or edandcharb1@att.net. There are no fees but entrants are expected to provide a canopy and sufficient folding tables and chairs to furnish their location. Wines entered for judging are levied a fee of $7 per 750ML bottle. These should be delivered to the judge’s stand by 9 a.m. It is located in the Lake County Yacht Club, to the right of the boat ramp when entering Library Park.
Home brewers should contact Michael Shoemaker at mshoe@mac.com. Vendors may call Bublitz at the number(s) above.
Since all proceeds go to support the Lake County Symphony and youth orchestras, as well as other music education programs, music will be a key part of the festival, with the duo of David Neft and Steve Dubois and acoustic guitarist Travis Rinker leading the way. There will also be appearances by the Konocti Fiddle Club.
In another first the city of Lakeport Mayor Martin Scheel has agreed to take on the job of MC introducing the events as they happen, including winners in the numerous homemade wine and beer categories as well as those of the raffles and auctions.
Many of Lake County’s commercial wineries will also be on hand, pouring tastes for attendees. Due in part to the number of arts, crafts and other vendors, the Winefest has become a family affair, with kids and leashed pets welcome, though only adults 21 or older with appropriate wristbands are eligible for tasting the adult beverages. They will pay a $20 entry fee which includes a commemorative wine glass and ballots for the popular Peoples’ Choice awards voting. Tickets are available at most Lake County winery tasting rooms, as well as the Lake County Chamber of Commerce in Lakeport and Watershed Books, located at 305 N. Main St. in Lakeport. Tickets at the gate cost $25.
The park is located at 225 Park St, in Lakeport.
